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Each year falls cause more disabling injuries and deaths in Washington than any other workplace hazard, and construction workers die from falls more than workers in any other industry. Sixteen workers died at Washington construction sites in 2017; ten of those were from falls.

Construction is one of the most dangerous occupations in Washington. In 2017 the construction field saw more workplace fatalities and injuries than any other occupation in our state. Falls are always a leading cause of injury and death at construction sites, both here and nationwide.

A Sumas-area farm faces nearly $150,000 in state and local fines in connection with violations related to missed employee breaks and late meal periods. It's the largest penalty ever assessed by the state Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) for these types of violations.

A Seattle hotel owner who knew his building contained asbestos decided to cut corners and save money by removing it using untrained workers. As a result, the Seattle Pacific Hotel has been cited for multiple egregious safety and health violations and faces $355,000 in fines for exposing the workers to asbestos hazards.

Washington's annual Agriculture Safety Day is happening in two Eastern Washington locations again this year, thanks to the enthusiastic 2017 turnout. The February event, now in its 14th year, is put on to help meet the specific safety and health training needs in the agricultural industry.

Criminal manslaughter charges filed on Friday against the owner of a Seattle–area construction firm make a clear statement about the responsibility of companies to keep workers safe on the job, and the serious consequences if they knowingly don't.

2018 News Archives

Each year falls cause more disabling injuries and deaths in Washington than any other workplace hazard, and construction workers die from falls more than workers in any other industry. Sixteen workers died at Washington construction sites in 2017; ten of those were from falls.

Construction is one of the most dangerous occupations in Washington. In 2017 the construction field saw more workplace fatalities and injuries than any other occupation in our state. Falls are always a leading cause of injury and death at construction sites, both here and nationwide.

A Sumas-area farm faces nearly $150,000 in state and local fines in connection with violations related to missed employee breaks and late meal periods. It's the largest penalty ever assessed by the state Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) for these types of violations.

A Seattle hotel owner who knew his building contained asbestos decided to cut corners and save money by removing it using untrained workers. As a result, the Seattle Pacific Hotel has been cited for multiple egregious safety and health violations and faces $355,000 in fines for exposing the workers to asbestos hazards.

Washington's annual Agriculture Safety Day is happening in two Eastern Washington locations again this year, thanks to the enthusiastic 2017 turnout. The February event, now in its 14th year, is put on to help meet the specific safety and health training needs in the agricultural industry.

Criminal manslaughter charges filed on Friday against the owner of a Seattle–area construction firm make a clear statement about the responsibility of companies to keep workers safe on the job, and the serious consequences if they knowingly don't.

Leadership Team

“Keep Washington safe and working”

L&I’s mission is to “keep Washington safe and working.” The agency administers a number of critical programs including the state’s workers’ compensation system and its occupational safety and health program.

L&I's various and diverse programs are led by a group of hard-working professionals and subject matter experts known as the department's Leadership Team. In addition to leading their own programs on a day-to-day basis, this group works together to determine future direction and policies for the entire organization. In essence, they are L&I's brain trust.

Biographies

Joel Sacks, Director

Joel Sacks was appointed Director of the Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) in January, 2013 by Governor Jay Inslee, making him one of 3 ex-officio members serving on the Washington State Investment Board (WSIB). He is the vice-chair of the WSIB Committee and a member of the Private Markets, Audit, and Administrative Committees.

Previously, Joel worked at the state Employment Security Department for nearly 8 years serving as Deputy Commissioner and Assistant Commissioner for the Budget, Policy, and Communications Division.

Prior to joining Employment Security, Joel was Deputy Director of Field Services at L&I. He also served 4 years at the Occupational Safety and Health Administration in the U.S. Department of Labor.

Joel holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from Haverford College and a master’s degree in public administration from Syracuse University’s Maxwell School of Public Affairs. He lives in Olympia with his wife and two daughters.

Elizabeth (Liz) Smith, Deputy Director

Elizabeth Smith was appointed as Deputy Director in March 2018. She previously served as Assistant Director for L&I’s Fraud Prevention & Labor Standards division. Liz’s other positions at L&I include program manager for the Worker’s Comp Fraud Prevention and Compliance program, the Employment Standards program, and the L&I Office of Apprenticeship.

Prior to joining L&I in 2004, Liz worked as legislative staff for the California State Senate.
Liz graduated from Western Washington University, and completed a post-graduate Public Affairs Leadership Fellowship through the Coro Foundation.

Randi Warick, Deputy Director for Financial Management

Randi Warick was appointed the deputy director of Financial Management at L&I in 2013.

Prior to working for L&I, Randi served as the assistant commissioner for the Budget, Performance and Research Division at the Employment Security Department.

During her 28-year career of state service, Randi has held senior leadership roles for 6 other state agencies, including the Department of Corrections and the Office of Financial Management.

Randi and her husband enjoy spending time outdoors and have 2 children, both of whom are in college.